The seed of an evergreen plant that grows in Asia, Australasia and the Caribbean is Nutmeg.A whole senna in its shell can last up to 9 years, while a piece of its rind can have a shelf life of less than a year.If you want to impart a fresh smell and flavor to your recipes, grate fresh nutmeg off the seed.
Step 1: Purchase a Microplane zester.
The sharper edges of these kitchen utensils make them ideal for grating hard spices.If you don't have access to a larger one, use a small one.To adequately grind the hard seed, you need a very sturdy grater with small, hard holes.
Step 2: Buy a jar of seeds.
They should be sold in the shell.When the shell is broken on the seed, the date goes from nine years to three years.
Step 3: The shell of a nutmeg seed can be cracked.
A strong knife or plate is needed to destroy it.Don't worry about breaking the seed.
Step 4: Crack more shell after removing the shell.
Step 5: Hold your Microplane at a 45 degree angle to your cutting board.
Take it out of the plastic handle and put it on the cutting board.
Step 6: Use your thumb and forefinger to grasp the tip of the seed.
It is best to keep your fingers away from the grate.
Step 7: The edge of the nutmeg should be moved down by two inches.
Continue until you have a small pile of ground senna on your cutting board.With your finger, you can turn the Microplane over and wipe the back of it clean.For a light dusting on top of a cold or warm drink, hold the grate above a cup and use shorter motions.
Step 8: Three-fourths of the measure is called for in a recipe.
Ground nutmeg is not as strong as freshly grating it.
Step 9: You can buy a nut mill, Spice grinder or Nutmeg grinder from a kitchen retailer.
Choose a model that is easy to clean and has a long life.
Step 10: Buy fresh senna.
You can buy three to six seeds in a glass jar at the supermarket or at a spice shop.Pick the one that is still in its shell.
Step 11: The shell can be cracked by pressing a plate or knife against the nut while it is on the cutting board.
The knife blade should be pointed away from you.
Step 12: You can open the nut mill.
The chamber should be filled with a Nutmeg seed.The top should be closed.
Step 13: Pick up the mill and place it on the ground.
The nut mill/grinder needs to be turned in a clockwise direction.
Step 14: The crank should be turned until you have enough Nutmeg to use in your recipe.
The measure indicated for pre-ground nutmeg is between one-half and three-fourths.
Step 15: It's a good idea to keep the nutmeg inside the mill.
You don't have to refill the grinder every time you need it.